ESPN ran its annual ranking of the top pro franchises in each of the 3 major leagues: MLB, NBA and NFL (no NHL because... well, you know why). Rankings were based on a number of fan criteria, including fan relations, ownership, price, etc. And the #1 team for 2005?

I don't know if I should talk about this here or not, since I'm not really talking about basketball. Still, it seems a waste to start another topic in the football forum.

Indianapolis is ahead of New England, even though Indy only ranks higher than New England in 2 of the 7 categories. Apparently either Bang for your Buck or Affordability must be very important. Especially with NE having a 7 to 70 edge in Stadium Experience.

Also, how can the Packers not have the #1 spot in Ownership? The whole freaking state (more like the whole Midwest, actually) owns them! One of you basketball guys better be able to have something really good to say about Peter M. Holt, the Spurs owner.

Colts are #3 and Pacers are #10-- not much complaining I can do about the former, since I'd also rate the Pistons and Spurs over the Colts. But no way should the Anaheim Angels (or, should I say, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim *snicker*) be ranked five spots higher than the Pacers. And the Atlanta Falcons? Ha!

Originally posted by Mr. BoffoAlso, how can the Packers not have the #1 spot in Ownership? The whole freaking state (more like the whole Midwest, actually) owns them! One of you basketball guys better be able to have something really good to say about Peter M. Holt, the Spurs owner.

Might be because we don't have a big-pockets owner who can just go buy the pieces needed for a title...but on the other hand, that's just too Steinbrenner-esque.

And it's not just the Midwest...Cheesehead Nation is worldwide, yo.

Originally posted by the stocks page on Packers.comShares of stock were purchased by citizens from all 50 states, in addition to fans in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over half (or roughly 64,300) of the new shares during the 1997-98 offering were bought by Wisconsin residents, followed by inhabitants of Illinois (9,600), Minnesota (4,300), California (3,700), Florida (2,900), Michigan (2,800), Texas (2,500) and Ohio (2,000).

Ironically, I'm not a shareholder. Didn't really have the $300 to spare back then in the college years...but I almost did anyway. Kinda wish I would've.

Should clarify that the rankings are for the Ultimate franchise, not just team. They are based on all around arena experience and fan relations, etc. After the "Malice at the Palace" I was surprised to see Detroit get the #1 spot over San Antonio, but I'm happy.